by Bailey Dark
Suddenly, the Fae unsheathe their swords and slip into a defensive stance. The skin on my neck stands on end and I realize I can’t hear the whispering anymore. I shrink back against a nearby tree, heart beating too fast. More blood seeps from my wounds as my heart races.
I hear a shrill battle cry as five Bloodbane erupt from the trees, poison-tipped arrows aimed at the soldiers. They dodge the first volley, slipping towards the Bloodbane with inhuman speed. I watch as the first Bloodbane is sliced in half with a broadsword, her face frozen in shock. Her torso topples to the ground, landing with a bloody thud. A scream is lodged in my throat as I stare into her vacant eyes.
I hear a cry and turn to see a Fae soldier with a Bloodbane arrow in his arm. My face pales as I see the poison take effect. His skin turns a sickly shade of gray and it rushes from the wound sight over his body. His face goes grey, eyes bulging out of his head and suddenly they burst. Blood and gore oozes down his cheeks after the sickening pop. I gag, turning away and directly into the chest of the lead Fae soldier. She grips my shoulders, eyes intense.
I whimper and behind her I see two more Bloodbane fall, but another Fae soldier drops dead from poison. The remaining Bloodbane are back to back, muttering a spell under their breath. “Watch out,” I breathe, pointing a trembling finger.
The Fae soldier moves faster than my eyes can follow. She’s a blur, whirling a dagger that wasn’t in her hands before towards the witches. She misses, and the blade is lost in the brush. But the Bloodbane scatter. She rounds on me and shoves a sword in my good hand. I clutch it, weighed down by it when I’m already weak.
“Fight,” she hisses through gritted teeth.
She’s gone before I can respond. I cling to the sword, holding it in front of my face and shrinking back against the tree. The fight has been a blur, but it won’t be long until the Bloodbane notice me. Just as I think this, their eyes turn on me in unison. They study my red cloak and my lack of manacles. They know I’m not like them.
A soft scream slips from my parted lips but it’s nothing more than a sigh as one of them stalks towards me. She grins, and I know she’ll be proud killing a traitor like me. She tosses the blade in the air, catching it deftly. She’s trying to intimidate me, and it’s working. I dart to the side when she’s a few feet away and pain throbs in my leg at the sudden move. She watches me move awkwardly, clearly wounded, and her grin broadens.
I glance around, searching for a Fae soldier to aid me, but they’re fighting their own battles. I swallow thickly, watching the witch close in on me. She drives her blade towards my chest but I deflect it with an awkward wave of my sword. Irritation sparks in her eyes but I dance away, out of reach.
With a growl, she rushes me. Fear washes over me and I feel like I’m drowning in it. So close. I’m so close. I grit my teeth and stand my ground.
“Wait,” Serus purrs.
At the last moment, I turn the angle of my sword until the point is centered directly on her unprotected neck. The blade slips through her flesh, biting through her bones like butter. I cringe as blood gushes from her throat and her eyes bulge out of her head with shock as death takes her. Her dagger slips from her grasp, clattering to the forest floor. It was only a hair from my own chest.
I drop the sword, gagging. The witch’s body topples to the side, blade impaled through her throat. She takes a final, gurgling breath and red bubbles burst on her lips. My muscles are trembling violently with shock and adrenaline, as well as exhaustion. I stumble away from her body and the Fae woman catches me in her arms before I topple.
Her brows are furrowed, lips pulled into a confused frown. I push away from her and take a deep, settling breath. “Let’s go,” I murmur, breathing hard. I need to get to Altair. I need healed. I need to help him.
It’s just the Fae woman and I leaving that grove of sharp trees. The rest are decomposing in their own blood. I don’t look back and neither does she as we climb a rocky incline. Serus leaps ahead, agile and light. I eyes him jealously as I drag myself up one handed. Panting, I’m yards behind the Fae woman. She pauses at the top and then whoops excitedly.
I look up, brows furrowed. I’ve never seen a Fae shout like that; so celebratory. I push myself faster, curious to see what lies beyond. Pain lances through my thigh and arm, but I grit my teeth and ignore it. I grunt as I hoist myself up the last few feet and stagger to my feet beside her. I follow her gaze into the sky.
My breath rushes out me like I’ve just been punched in the gut. A grin stretches across my face, relief and feeling I can’t quite describe washing through me like a stormy wave. My shoulders sag and for the first time, I can’t feel the wounds on my body.
Altair soars above us in the distance. His enormous wings stretch across the early night sky, blotting out the stars. I imagine I can see his hazel eyes raking over the landscape. I lift my good arm, as if to wave, but the Fae woman snatches it down. Wordlessly, she points to the right. Lean around her, wincing in pain, and then my breath is lost again.
Hordes of demons and Bloodbane dot the landscape and the sky, coloring everything black and red. My face pales as I realize just what Altair is preparing to do. No. No. NO.
I just made it. Wait for me, I want to scream. I bend over, keening silently, eyes locked on the stony ground. Serus slinks into my view, staring at me with glowing eyes. Its as if the look is willing me to relax, to take a deep breath. I straighten, cradling my injured arm, and start down the hill.
“Where are you going?” The Fae woman hisses.
“To the fortress there. And then there.” I point to the hordes of demons.
She curls her lip. “So, you are set on rejoining the Bloodbane. Filthy liar.”
I barely glance at her as I march down the rocky hillside. “I’m going to kill Sadal.”
Chapter 20
Altair
Sadal and his army are within flying distance and a half day’s march for my army. If I can help it, I want to suspend the bloodshed until Sadal is gone. We outmatch his Bloodbane and demons on the field. Sadal is the real threat. One I’ll eliminate tonight.
I stand on the balcony overlooking the sea, but my eyes are trained on the mainland. It’s to the north that my query lies. The sun sets over the sea, red like blood and I can’t help but think of the carnage and gore that awaits. My lips twist into a worried frown as I consider what’s to come. With Sadal dead, there will be nothing to control the demons. They’ll scatter like leaves in the wind. Before that happens, my army needs to be ready. We move into position tonight, while I take care of the dark god.
I feel Thal appear at my shoulder, moving silently. “What is it?” I ask, gaze still locked on the inky darkness in the distance. I check for the enchanted dagger at my waist.
“Don’t do this,” he says. He leans against the railing and looks out over the sea. “There’s no need to sacrifice yourself, Altair. We have soldiers who’ve trained as assassins in the past; send one of them.”
Thal couldn’t understand the responsibility I bear at this point. Everything that’s happened until this point has been because of my mistakes. I can’t let someone else pay for them. Of course, Thal will simply retort that it’s my duty as King to stay alive. I eye him, keeping my face a mask. “I want the satisfaction.” I don’t balk at the half-lie. I do want to be the one who cuts his heart out, but there’s more to it than that.
Thal shakes his head. “Don’t be stupid.”
“Stay here, ask the witch how to get Verity out of the ether,” I say. It isn’t a request and he knows it.
Thal’s eyes drop to his hands, clenched tightly in front of him. “We’ll get her out, Altair.”
My thoughts drift back to the night of the summer solstice. I remember being consumed with jealousy as I watched Thal and Verity together. It was so easy for him to make her laugh. I frown. “Keep her happy,” I finally say even though it makes my stomach churn.
“Don’t.” Thal shakes his head. “I care about her, but don’t ever th
ink for one second she wouldn’t choose you over anything. Besides, you’re coming back, you arrogant fool.”
I clap him on the back and force a smile. “What I said before – about you taking my place – still stands.”
“Gods, no,” he groans.
The last light of day winks out over the horizon and I clamber up onto the balcony railing. “Don’t fuck it up like I did,” I say, half-joking.
“You didn’t. You won’t,” Thal says as he narrows his eyes at me. I know what he’s thinking. Don’t you dare die, Altair.
“I’ll do my best.” I dip my chin at him before diving headfirst off the balcony.
I don’t hear his response as I rush towards the violent waves below. I curl in on myself, willing the curse to take effect. My nails extend into sharp and deadly claws and my eyesight grows more acute in the darkness. Fur covers my skin, warming me in the chill air. I stretch out my wings, letting them catch the strong winds the blister against the walls. Ocean spray wets my wings.
I wheel away from the cliffs and up the walls of the castle. I pass Thal, blasting him with a gust of wind. He curses at me under his breath but I’m out of earshot in seconds. I turn towards Sadal’s army in the distance, wishing the night sky was cloudy to obscure my approach.
To the east, I catch sight of a Fae woman on the crest of a hill, but she darts out of sight quickly. Below me, the demon army has started to stretch out. Dots and clusters of demons cover the landscape. Some individuals lope across the landscape and sharp howls reach my ears. I soar higher, into a wisp of cloud so I’m certain they won’t hear the rhythm of my wings. Eyes narrowed, I search the length of the horde for signs of Sadal. If he’s here, he’ll be in the most luxurious tent. Humble, he is not.
As I pass over the Bloodbane tents, I see the one I’m certain is his. Sitting outside a cluster of makeshift shelters, Sadal’s tent is grand – larger than any others by far. Even in the darkness, I can tell the canopy is blood red. I circle it twice, searching for any signs of guards or life within. But I can’t do this all night and I don’t know when Sadal will order the attack.
Taking a deep breath to still my nerves, I swoop low, gliding on the gentle wind so I don’t make a sound. I land behind the tent, facing out towards the darkness. My eyes rake over the hills and gnarly trees, searching for signs of patrol. But there’s nothing. I huff softly. The arrogance of my enemies is astounding.
I shift back into my Fae form when I’m certain that there will be no surprise Bloodbane attack. Silently, I draw Verity’s dagger from its place at my waist and hold it loosely in one hand. My heart is pounding rapidly with adrenaline, cold seat beading on my brows. I slip around the edge of the tent towards the door and listen. A soft glow emanates from inside; a single candle perhaps. My Fae ears strain to hear any traces of noise within the tent. But there’s nothing. Just silence.
Hair on end, I slink between the tent flaps and into the shadows inside. The tent is glamorous, filled with heavy furniture and plush, velvet cushions. The light is coming from a stove filled with dying embers. I turn my gaze towards the bed, where I can make out a single body underneath the heavy blankets. Sadal.
My grip tightens around the hilt of the dagger and a vicious smile splits my lips. This will be a satisfying end to the war that plagues me and my people. They can return home. And we will return Alnembra to its former glory. If I don’t die tonight, that is.
I steal across the room in silence, the plush carpets at my feet stifling any sound. My eyes narrow as a tuft of black hair comes into view. I see Sadal then, sleeping on his back, arms at his sides. His chest doesn’t rise and fall with any breath, but I know he’s alive. I watch him for a moment, studying his body for any signs that he might be awake. His eyelashes flutter as his eyes rove behind the lids. He’s dreaming. I suppress a scowl. I don’t want to know what he dreams about; I can only imagine it’s as violent and cruel as him.
The blade is growing heavier in my hands by the second and I can feel an itch between my shoulder blades. I’m anxious. Eager, even, to kill him. Time is running short. My army should be in position by now, ready to slaughter the demons when the Bloodbane lose their control.
I close my eyes, picturing the bruises on Verity’s neck. Images flash through my mind; torn corpses on the field, the pile of bodies and gore I was trapped in, my people fleeing from their homes. Anger coils deep in my chest, tightening around my heart. I open my eyes, finding Sadal’s peaceful face. He deserves this.
Fore Verity. For my people. For me.
I lift the dagger over his chest, the deadly blade angled towards his heart. With this single strike, I’ll make him mortal. And in the next, I’ll carve his heart out. Suddenly, a horn sounds and my gut lurches. My army has been sighted by their scouts. There’s a flurry of activity beyond the tent walls as Bloodbane awaken and rush to their deadwood brooms. All of this in a single instant, before my blade has even punctured his flesh. My eyes dart back towards Sadal.
His black eyes fly open, already locked on me. He grins.
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Chapter One
Altair
Sadal slashes at me with an ebony dagger and I leap back, breathing hard. Sweat shines on my forehead as I dance around Sadal’s deadly attacks. Beyond the walls of the tent, I can hear my forces clashing with the demons and the Bloodbane witches.
I block one of Sadal’s blows with my own short blade and dart away to create some distance between us. His eyes are dark, but they’ve lost their otherworldly glimmer. He’s nothing more than a Fae like me now. I lunge forward, the thought giving me courage. I swipe at him and blood blooms on the white sleeve of his loose tunic. He growls, glowering at me. A flash of satisfaction flits through me at the sight and I grin.
“How does it feel, Sadal?” I ask, breathing hard.
“I’ll tell you how it feels when you’re bleeding out at my feet,” he snaps.
I duck as one of his daggers flies through the space my head just occupied. Gritting my teeth, I rush him, blade raised. He dodges me, his dagger digging into my ribs. Pain flares in my side, like a hot poker against my flesh. I hiss in pain, dancing out of his reach. I touch my ribs lightly and pull my hand into the light; it glimmers with blood. He grins wickedly, prowling around me like a predator.
“When I’m done with you,” he purrs, “The demons will spread across the continent, killing everything in their path. You’ve failed, Altair.”
“I won’t have failed until I’m dead,” I say through gritted teeth.
“Just prolonging the inevitable.” His smile stretches wide.
I’ve been waiting for this moment for weeks now, since I saw Sadal sling Verity over his shoulder. My blood pounds loudly in my ears, drowning out the sounds of battle around us. Flashes of light in the distance, and I know the sun soldiers are lighting huge swaths of enemies on fire. But I have eyes only for Sadal.
My enemy and I lunge for each other’s throats. We clash violently, bodies slamming together. We wrestle, my arm locked tightly around Sadal’s throat. He claws at my face, tearing gashes in my cheeks. I grit my teeth and force the dagger from his hand, tossing it aside. His eyes bulge as my arm squeezes around his windpipe. Suddenly, the tent flap flies open, the light of dawn spilling into the room.
“We have to retreat, the demons –”
My head snaps towards Maaz’s voice. Her blue eyes are wide, locked on Sadal, slowly suffocating in my grip. She snarls, perfect lips curled back over perfect teeth. I roll to the side, releasing Sadal, just as she leaps at me.
She swipes at me with her poisoned tipped blade, looking wild. “Altair,” she cackles. “I should have known you were behind this.”
“Behind what?” I ask, dodging her dagger.
“The demons are loosed,” she hisses. “What have you done to him
?”
I slam into her, using my height and weight to knock the slight woman off her feet. Her dagger falls from her hands when she crashes into the floor. She rolls to the side, but I leap on top of her, dragging her away from her blade. She writhes beneath me, screaming for Sadal. He’s coughing, hand on his throat but he can hardly rise. I grin, a sense of victory welling inside me at the sight of him crippled.
Maaz punches me, her nails raking over my other cheek. I hiss and wrap one hand around her slim neck. With my free hand, I draw my dagger and hoist it over her heart. Her eyes widen with fear, spittle flying from her red lips. It’s as if time stops, a perfect moment, frozen in time. I stare down at the woman who wasted a thousand years of my life and helped the dark god steal Verity from me. Quiet joy builds in my chest and my skin prickles with anticipation.
“This will be so satisfying,” I murmur, smiling coldly.
Before she can speak, I thrust the blade into her chest. It slips smoothly through her muscles and between her ribs, into her heart. She gasps, blooding leeching from between her lips. Red always was her color. I close my eyes, waiting to feel the weight of the curse lifted. Waiting to feel the oozing of her magic slip from my veins.
Maaz laughs, the sound strangled and soft. Her blue eyes are bright, a smile on her bloodied lips. “Permanent now,” she cackles breathlessly.
“What are you talking about?” I hiss, eyes blazing. My heart clenches with fear.
She lifts a finger and presses it weakly to my chest. “The curse…” She coughs, blood splattering across my face. “It’s part of you now… Forever.”